The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) Board of Directors announces awards to institutions and individuals who have contributed in outstanding ways to support the Christians in the Holy Land. Many organizations and individuals are working in wondrous ways to support those suffering in the Holy Land as a result of the political unrest of the last 55 years. Each year the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) Board of Directors awards these honorable and compassionate servants of Christ at its annual International Conference.

The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) Board of Directors announces awards to institutions and individuals who have contributed in outstanding ways to support the Christians in the Holy Land. Many organizations and individuals are working in wondrous ways to support those suffering in the Holy Land as a result of the political unrest of the last 55 years. Each year the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) Board of Directors awards these honorable and compassionate servants of Christ at its annual International Conference.

The Awards Banquet will be held on Friday, October 21, 2005 at the Holiday Inn Select Bethesda, Bethesda, MD.

The 2005 Awardees are:

LIVING STONES AWARDS
The Living Stones Award is given to institutions that have made significant contributions to the welfare of Christians in the Holy Land. 

     ~FRANCISCAN CUSTODY OF THE HOLY LAND~

     ~EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA~
               ~ DIVISION FOR GLOBAL MISSION~

HOLY LAND CHRISTIAN ECUMENICAL FOUNDATION AWARDS
The HCEF Award is given to individuals who have made a lifetime commitment to assisting the Christians living in the Holy Land.

    ~FR. EMIL SALAYTA~
          HCEF Co-Founder; Priest of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

    ~REVEREND CANON ROY ENQUIST, PH.D.~
          HCEF Advisory Board; Chair, HCEF Lutheran Outreach Committee

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FRANCISCAN CUSTODY OF THE HOLY LAND
The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land has had a significant presence in the areas of Bethlehem and Jerusalem since the 13th century.  Their principal activity has been to ensure worship in the holy sanctuaries and to give spiritual assistance to pilgrims.  The Custody has been responsible for important initiatives in ecumenical dialogue between the Western and Eastern Christian Rites.  The Custody of the Holy Land began its educational institutions at the beginning of the sixteenth century and has adapted to the needs of the Christian community throughout the ever-changing political and economic struggles.  Fra. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM (Custos of the Holy Land), says that .the future is in the prophetic gesture of dialogue..  Through their presence in both Israel and the Palestinian territories, the Custody of the Holy Land has been a significant witness of how Christianity is a bridge that can help move toward a peaceful and just reconciliation in the Holy Land.

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
DIVISION FOR GLOBAL MISSION
The ELCA.s Division for Global Mission has significantly contributed to the work of preserving the Holy Land Christians over many decades.  The ELCA.s Global Mission has supported Christian education provided by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.  The ELCA has also supported the Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, helping them to provide some of the most up-to-date methods of cancer treatments for people who otherwise could not have access to these types of therapies.  The ELCA.s is truly a life-long commitment to the Holy Land and its people. 

FR. EMIL SALAYTA
As Director of Education and today as representative of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Fr. Emil Salayta.s entire ministry has been devoted to serving the Holy Land Christians.  Part of this ministry has been in serving the Latin schools and its children in the midst of the turmoil of Occupation.  Fr. Emil has also been a tireless spokesperson and advocate in the West.  In addition to co-founding the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF), Fr. Emil has spoken individually to government leaders, church leaders and church members alike, which has raised both awareness and financial support for the remaining Christians. 
 
REVEREND CANON ROY ENQUIST
Reverend Enquist has been an inspiring supporter of the Holy Land Christians.  His dedication to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, his extensive background in ecumenical work, and his persistent witness to the plight of the living stones make him a uniquely qualified advocate for voicing the concerns of Holy Land Christians to the faithful in the West.  Reverend Enquist.s work both in support of HCEF.s International Conferences and as Chair of HCEF.s Lutheran Outreach Committee has made a significant impact on HCEF.s ability to connect with Christians across the United States.  In particular, Reverend Enquist has raised awareness about HCEF.s Child Sponsorship Program to many pastors who will now be able to share the grace of solidarity with the Holy Land Christians amongst their church members. Rev. Enquist is also a member of the HCEF Advisory Board.

For more information on the Awards Banquet or 7th International Conference please visit https://gifts.hcef.org/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=1000&Category_Code=ConferenceFee

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The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation, Inc. (HCEF) is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to preserve the Christian presence in the Holy Land by supporting the living stones.  HCEF sponsors programs that build person-to-person, family-to-family, and church-to-church relationships.  HCEF also supports children.s education, housing, and job creation.